Thanks to my inattention, I got hosed
On tires, that is. When we picked up our 295 from a storage lot in Tucson, it had five worn out tires on it, missing one. I had agreed to purchase it from the prior owner without driving it, little inspection. It was missing its headlights, I found I didn't really have the right license to drive it legally, and we needed to get it home. First order of the day was to have tires installed, which I did at the closest Michelin dealer. The price was high, but the proximity and availability of the tires along with recent date codes carried the decision. I had too many other things to worry about at that point to power shop.
I'm used to dealing with Discount Tire back home (this was not Discount Tire) and count on them to do the job right. I know, I should have stayed and watched em like a hawk but allowed myself to go for lunch with my lovely wife. Got back, they were installed, paid the bill and drove off. When I finally got around to checking them over here in Tx, here's what I found:
These are apparently perfect tires because even though they were spin balanced they required no weights.
Three old valve stems. Four missing air through valve caps.
Two rims reversed so a shiny one is apparently on inside, an old one outside.
No consideration at all in valve stem positioning for airing and checking.
It's a given that lug torque will be off.
I'm going to take the coach to a local shop, have the tires demounted if necessary, the rims put in proper positions, new valve stems installed. I'm not really used to having other people work on my vehicles but it's a little ridiculous to expect to have to mount your own tires in order to get them right. Sheesh, kicking myself.
The manager of the chain store that mounted these tires will be getting a nastygram but I don't expect much from that. I'm sure they are well aware they do shoddy work.
In stark contrast to the tire experience, the coach drives great, engine and tranny appear perfect and the inside is a delight. The prior owner Chris was a real straight shooter and there really was no need for a test drive. His word was good. My faith in humanity remains intact but next time someone approaches my vehicle with a wrench he'll feel my eyes.
Topic: Thanks to my inattention, I got hosed